IGCSE Physics: Thermal Physics
Thermal physics is where IGCSE Physics meets everyday life. Examiners want you to link microscopic behaviour (particle motion) to macroscopic observations (temperature, pressure, change of state). The long-answer questions in Paper 4 almost always hinge on a careful particle-model explanation.
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Open voice practiceWhat you need to master
- 1Kinetic particle model: states of matter, Brownian motion and evidence for particles.
- 2Temperature scales, thermometers and thermal equilibrium.
- 3Specific heat capacity: definition, experiment and calculations.
- 4Latent heat of fusion and vaporisation; interpreting heating/cooling graphs.
- 5Gas laws: relationship between pressure, volume and temperature.
- 6Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation and practical applications.
Key formulas
E = mcΔθ
E = mL
pV = constant (at constant T)
p/T = constant (at constant V)
V/T = constant (at constant p)
Examiner tips
- •For kinetic-model questions, always refer to particles "moving faster" and "colliding more" — vague words like "hotter" lose marks.
- •State the quantity that is kept constant when using gas laws.
- •Always include units on specific heat (J/(kg·°C)) and latent heat (J/kg).
Common mistakes to avoid
- •Saying particles "get bigger" when heated — they do not; the gaps between them increase.
- •Confusing heat (energy in joules) with temperature (°C or K).
- •Forgetting to convert °C to K before applying gas laws that need absolute temperature.
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